I am trying to decide on an all around scope for my M70, in 325WSM. This will be for use in the western US, and possibly Alaska or Canada.

Right now I am contemplating either the new Zeiss ZD5 3-145x42 or the new SWFA SS 3-15x42. I suspect that the glass on the Zeiss would prove superior in lowlight conditions, but that the SS would be much harder to break.

On the Zeiss, I would use the Rapid Z 600 reticle, or possible the lockable target turrets. The Rapid Z would probably be excellent, and their new reticle is improved over the first version. Actually I would prefer a plex or the SS reticle, and suspect that the glass would satisfactory, but believe that the tall turrets of the SS would be uncomfortable if carrying all day.

Given the chambering, I'm assuming this is a hunting rifle. That being the case, I'd get the Zeiss HD5. The SS is a great scope at an awesome price for the outstanding quality you get in exchange, but it's a tactical scope. I prefer the K.I.S.S. philosophy when it comes to hunting scopes.

However, I would get the HD5 2-10X42 rather than the 3-15X since I prefer more compact scopes, I like having wider FOV on the low end, and I've never felt the need for more than 10X on a big game rifle. I'd rather not pay for more X's than I'll need while only increasing the size and bulk of my scope. But, that's me.

If this was a LR field tactical rifle, I'd get the SS no question. It would also make a good hunting scope, as it's built like a tank. I just don't like further increasing bulk and obstructions with tall turrets that hang up in scabbards and soft cases, and I don't like having a 24 oz. scope on top of a svelte, handy sporter-weight hunting rifle. But, again, that's my own preference.

Actually, I recommend you get both, and put the SS 3-15 on another rifle!

Ted

Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.

Well I am glad to see Team SWFA states this is a tough call, I was beginning to wonder what was taking me so long to make the decision.

Rifle Dude, I think you have it, I should buy both! This is a M70 hunting rifle, probably keeping it lighter would be best. I do plan to put an SS 3-15 on an AR10 style rifle, been planning this for a while. However that will be some time down the road.

I was hoping SWFA would have made a lower turret version. I am so impressed with my SS 1-6 that I was hoping for more of the same. Thanks SWFA for that great scope.

2-10 would be an excellent range, but I was thinking that for target identification it might be nice to have more power. So it is the Zeiss, almost definitely. Just not sure if I should go 2-10 Z-600 or 3-15 with lockable turrets.

The Rapid Z system is only calibrated at max magnification. With a 3-15, if shooting at 6x the calibration is WAY off. So perhaps in Rapid Z the 3-15 is not practical.

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